Looking pretty inoffensive from the front, the 2009 TL bears shape and proportions similar to those of the current Nissan Maxima. Though the camouflage bra hides the front end well, it does reveal the shape of Acura's now-signature "dynamic power plenum" grille and headlight styling that look to be close to the mug found on the 2009 TSX.Things take a turn for the ugly in the rear, however. Acura decided that the trapezoidal shape of its new grille would work great in the rear as well as it does in the front and superimposed it on the trunk lid and part of the rear fascia. The unconventional trapezoidal shape not only makes for a small trunk opening, it's disproportionate to the relatively small taillights.

The presence of large dual exhausts is a telltale sign that a V-6 lurks under the hood. Rumors leaked out of a recent dealer meeting suggest the present TL's 3.2-liter six will be dropped, with the 3.5-liter in the TL Type-S becoming the base engine in either front or all-wheel-drive configurations, with an available, range-topping 3.7-liter with 300 horsepower and AWD becoming the new Type-S engine option.We'll know much more leading up to the new TL's auto show debut, which should take place at either this November's Los Angeles auto show or the 2009 Detroit show.

I don't understand why everyone hates the new body style???. What's so ugly about it? I think it looks futuristic,classy,luxurious and theres no other car out there that looks like it. If you you see one driving on the freeway next to you I'm sure you'd change your mind. Don't get why there's so much criticism??

Acura always had "safe" looks. Now their flexing their ugly muscles just like their honda parent company. Too bad their going with bigger displacement engines just as gas prices have soared. They seem to appeal to value-conscious buyers and that probably won't help sales.

In short totally disappointed, I have been a true acura owner and fan for years. I presently own a 2006 TL pearl white and I love that car. No other car on the road looks even similar. The lines are unique to acura. The interior yells luxury. The ride is smooth,and the handleing is good in all weather. Now the powers to be at acura felt the need to redesign the TL. WHY?? The present design is perfect, why change it??? and why make it look like the nissan maxima. Have they not done their research. Most car owners do not like the maxima look nor the ride of the maxima. I know I do not like the look. I was awaiting the 2009 arrival to make a trade in But now its OFF!!!! BIG TIME. Acura you fell a sleep behind the wheel and you let some uninformed designers ruin the 2009 TL for me and other true acura loyalist..

I think you guys at Motor Trend are pathetic in your comment on the trapezoidal trunk of the Acura TL but here you are awarding the ugly rear end of the Cadillac CTS. The CTS front as vastly improved but the rear still is an awful take of fins for tail lights and the trapezoidal trunk!!!You Motortrend designer needs to be in line and fair across the board! Plus a heavier and portlier... less maneuvarable car got higher votes over the BMW 3 series. Just cause the car got some interior improvement and front end detailed styling...DON'T MESS WITH THE ACURA, IT BUILDS BETTER CARS THAN CADILLAC'S BEHEMOTHS!

I thought this might happen. Honda/Acura is droppin' the ball as of the last 1-2 years, and now we have an Acura Maxima in our midst. I don't mind the "Maxima-like" styling, I'm just highly disappointed in Honda/Acura for such a blantant knock-off. I think the rear will look great, but I hope the front will not have the "Acura Beak" that has cursed the RL and TSX. But that also looks certain. I love Honda/Acura to death (a diehard fan) but I don't understand some of their design choices (Accord, Pilot, RL, and TSX). Maybe the look will grow on us with time.